US and CT Findings in the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Peritonitis

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate the ultrasonographic and CT findings of tuberculous peritonitis.

Material and Methods:

Ultrasonographic and CT findings of 11 patients with the ascitic type of tuberculous peritonitis were reviewed.

Results:

All patients had ascites, and ultrasonography (US) demonstrated fine complete and incomplete mobile septations in 10 patients. In 5 of them, the ascites had a lattice-like appearance. Diffuse regular peritoneal thickening was detected in all patients by CT and in 10 patients by US. CT demonstrated infiltration of the greater omentum in 9 patients, whereas US showed omental thickening in only 5 patients.

Conclusion:

Peritoneal and omental thickening detected by CT and ascites with fine, mobile septations shown by US strongly suggest the ascitic type of tuberculous peritonitis. The 2 imaging modalities should be used together for accurate diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis.